Thursday, January 8, 2009

Yesterday was my kid brother's birthday. He lives and works pretty far away from where I live, so all I could do was wish him over the phone. I would've loved to have been able to bake a chocolate cake for him and completely embarass him by delivering it myself to his workplace, because that's what older sisters are for! My brother is aware of this, and I'm pretty sure that's the reason he would rather work in polar bear country than be anywhere within driving distance from me. Clever, mon frere.

Even though he just hit the whopping old age of 24 (!), in my head he is still around 10. I think he's under the impression that he's the man now, making his own decisions, earning his own money blahblahblah. But I wonder if he knows that no matter how old he gets, I'll always be around to remind him of the days when he was this snaggle-toothed, knobbly-kneed little brat with a crazy imagination (which he used purely for evil - in particular to terrorize me)? He'd want me to forget all about his early childhood phobias, to say, homework and showers (why do little boys always reek the same way?!). Nor would he want me to mention in front of his peers about the many times where he had to wear girly make-up to go on stage for our old school's annual functions. And I'm almost positive he doesn't want me to resurrect this old picture.

I suppose right now would be a good time in my narrative to say something like, "he may have been a little monster when he was a kid, but I always loved him, and always will". Awwww. That's probably what my mother would like. But that's not going to happen, folks. Personally, I would rather gag on my own vomit.

So birthday or no birthday, my baby brother and I will continue our love-hate relationship, and be completely happy and comfortable with it. But don't feel bad. Y'see, like most siblings, we always come together in times of need, for instance, when we need to gang up on our parents and annoy them to tears.

Today I wanted to make something with spinach in my brother's honor. Ever since he was a kid he has always loved spinach. I think it was thanks to Popeye. So I thought I'd put my own spin on his love of spinach and make Palak Qeema (Ground Beef with Spinach) but with an interesting twist.

Ground Beef with Spinach and Mint (inspired by Chef Suvir Saran's recipe in his excellent cookbook Indian Home Cooking)

Method:1. Make a paste by pureeing the spinach, cilantro and mint in a food processor, with a tbsp or two of water. (don't go overboard on the mint otherwise the whole paste tastes bitter)2. Heat the oil on medium and throw in the cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon stick. After 1 minute add the onion and saute till golden-brown.3. Then put in the green chillies, chopped garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.4. Stir in the beef, red chilli powder, ground cumin, garam masala, ground black pepper, salt and cook on medium-high heat for 10 mins, stirring often.5. Add half of the yogurt and mix well till incorporated and cook for another 2 mins.6. Put in all of the green paste, mix well, and simmer for 10 mins.7. Stir in the rest of the yogurt, cooking the whole thing for a further 5 mins. Taste for salt. Serve hot with parathas!

7 comments:

Imran Ahmed
said...

Hi Muneeba, I was looking for a good healthy recipe with spinach and just happened to cross your blog, great recipe, which I will try to cook soon (or rather ask my wife to cook soon:)), however the reason I am writing is not that, but I actually used to know you, you might not remember me but I am Imran who went to University with you. I used to hang out with Adnan Abbasi if that refreshes your memory. Anyway, nice to see you doing well and good luck.

Hope you like the results after your wife cooks this for you! I definitely did. And I'm sorry that my memory is worse than a 90-year-old's because even though I have a vague memory of Adnan (which may not even be accurate), I can't remember you! My sincere apologies - I remember faces, not names!

He looks sooo cute. Always smiling my son....mashallah. The years have gone by very quickly. Those were wonderful years - both my daughter and son were with me. Muneeba you should have also posted his latest photo. He has mashallah grown into such a handsome boy. Emotions aside, your recipe sounds very interesting and reading the ingredients, I am sure it is very tasty too. I will cook it for him when he comes over.

It's true, I still like spinach :)Thanks for the dedication by the way, I'm touched. And now that I've become part of this blog, I demand to know who eats all that food? I know there's leftovers. But you know who loves leftovers?? Me. I think you can FedEx gladware containers.

Also, I feel this banter between us on this blog can only lead to one thing, a new joint-venture. BROTHER-AND-SISTER talk show! The new Donnie and Marie!!!

Aaaaw...that's sweet! I feel the same way with my younger sister. I still remember her as the small little imp always getting me into trouble, and now she's a foot taller than I am! Great pictures. I'd like to invite you to take some time to drop by at Foodista and share your delicious recipe with us. We have launched an online food and cooking encyclopedia ala wikipedia. Add a recipe and you can win a $100 gift card to Sur la table. Don't forget to register first so we know who to thank the recipe for. Thanks!

Love the qeema palak recipe! This dish is actually a family favorite of ours. I'm putting it on menu for the next week. And I'll try making it with your recipe this time. I'm sure it'll be verrryyy good! love all the ingredients, especially the mint (my hubby will eat anything with mint in it!).

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